What is a Sports Injury?
A sports injury is a broad term to describe any injury that occurs from participating in a sport or physical activity. Most typically, it’s the result of trauma involving bones, ligaments, muscles or tendons, or the overuse of muscles and joints. Common sports injuries are (but not limited to)
- Achilles Tendon Rupture
- Contusions (bruises)
- Dislocations
- Fractures
- Knee Injuries
- Rotator Cuff Injury
- Sprains
- Strains
- Swollen Muscles
Ultimately, anyone can experience a sports injury – whether you’re a weekend warrior, or a professional athlete. It typically will be due to a lack of preparation, improper equipment or extenuating circumstances like a slippery track.
A majority of sports injuries impact the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of a network of bones, ligaments, tendons, and other tissues that provide the body with stability and enables movement.
What Causes a Sports Injury?
Although the unique cause of injury may be influenced by the activity that the individual was participating in, there is commonality among the risk factors of sports injuries. They include the following:
- Using incorrect exercise technique when working out or being active
- Overtraining (training to long, too frequently, or too often)
- Switching the intensity off your physical activity or training too quickly
- Jumping or running on hard surfaces
- Wearing shoes that do not provide adequate support for the sport or physical activity you’re doing
- Wearing the wrong equipment
- Having a prior injury
You also may be more prone to sports injuries if you participate in certain physical sports or activities, like MMA fighting or other contact sports.
What Are the Symptoms of Sports Injury?
We know that injury can put a damper on your day, especially if it means having to sit out of the next game. If you’re unsure what kind of injury you have, keep reading. There are two types of injuries: acute injuries and chronic injuries.
An acute injury occurs suddenly while chronic injuries often develop from sports or activities that are more long-term such as long distance cycling, swimming, or running.
- Common symptoms for an acute sports injure are:
- Bone or joint visibly out of place
- Not being able to put weight on ankle, knee, leg, or foot
- Not being able to move joint as normal
- Severe bruising or swelling
- Weakness in injured limb that impacts ability to walk
Common symptoms for chronic sports injuries :
- Dull ache or swelling when you rest
- Persistent pain when you play or excessive over a long period of time
If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms in your active lifestyle, you’re most likely experiencing a sports injury. The professional team at Parker Institute are leaders in helping patients recover from sports injury through specialized treatment plans and programs. Reach out to our team to learn how we can help get you back on your feet.
What Are My Treatment Options for a Sports Injury?
The treatment for your sports injury will be specific to your unique needs. At Parker Performance Institute, we take the time to listen to our patients’ concerns, provide a proper diagnosis, and create a customized recovery plan that will allow you to get back to doing what you love.
The first step will be to examine your injury and, as needed, conduct imaging tests such as X-rays or an MRI scan to evaluate the affected area. The treatment you receive will depend on your specific injury and medical needs.
Minor treatment options include:
- Rest: Limit activities that affect the injured area
- Ice: Apply an ice pack to the injured area in 20 minute increments
- Compression: Applying pressure to the injured area to reduce swelling
- Elevation: Keeping your injured area such as your ankle or foot above your head with a pillow
If your injury is more severe, our team will create a custom rehabilitation treatment plan that will target your injury and get you back on the road to recovery. Each plan is unique to each patient’s injury, body, and needs. To learn more about our personalized treatment plans for sports injury, contact our team today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sports Injury?
How can I prevent a sports injury?
The best way to prevent a sports injury is to make sure you warm up properly prior to training or performing, as well as cool down after. Wear the right gear for your activity, train properly and learn how to move your body safely. For more information on how to prevent sports injury, contact our team.
When should I see a doctor for my sports injury?
If you are experiencing mild to severe pain that is persistent, you’ve lost consciousness, or nothing you’ve tried has provided pain relief, we recommend seeking professional medical advice.
